2007 Chevrolet Corvette - It's All In The Details

CF Gives You The Lowdown On The New '07 Corvette

For more than 50 years, the name Corvette has been synonymous with a uniquely exhilarating world-class, high-performance sports car driving experience. Whether it's the coupe, convertible, or the 505hp Z06, reintroduced during the '06 model year, the Chevrolet Corvette stirs the performance enthusiast's soul-whether it's during a daily commute or a weekend at the track.

After a host of major performance enhancements for 2006, the '07 Corvette brings a number of equipment enhancements and refinements.

Interior enhancements-Available on the coupe and convertible are two-tone, perforated leather seating surfaces with crossed-flags embroidery and contrasting stitching in red, cashmere, or titanium. In addition, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are included with the Bose premium audio systems.

OnStar availability-The safety and security of OnStar is now available on the Z06 when the 2LZ package is ordered.

Cross-drilled brakes included with Magnetic Selective Ride Control option-Now Corvette customers can combine heavy-duty brakes, previously only available with the Z51 performance package, with the comfort of Magnetic Selective Ride Control technology.

Power top-Corvette's power top is now included with the convertible 3LT option package.

'07 Coupe And Convertible DetailsThe Corvette's new features for 2007 refine a groundbreaking sports car that was all-new in 2005 and substantially enhanced again in 2006. Coupe and convertible models continue to be equipped with the LS2 6.0L V-8 engine that produces 400 hp (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft of torque (542 Nm). It is matched to a rear transaxle that helps improve vehicle weight balance-a six-speed manual is standard, and a six-speed paddle shift transmission with automatic modes is available.

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The '07 Corvette convertible features a power-operated soft top with the 3LT package; an easy-to-operate manual top is standard. Both configurations use a five-layer fabric that conceals the underlying structure for a good top-up appearance, plus it helps preserve the car's excellent aerodynamics and reduces road noise.

Corvette's interior is inspired by the car's dual-cockpit heritage. High-quality materials, craftsmanship, and functionality help deliver premium quality meant to enhance performance driving. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin, foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather-wrapped, padded panel. Designers were able to provide a larger glove box by removing the frontal passenger airbag on/off switch that was required before the GM Passenger Sensing System was introduced in the '06 model year. Available for 2007 are two-tone, modified, perforated leather seating surfaces with crossed-flags embroidery and contrasting stitching, in red, cashmere, or titanium.

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An AM/FM radio with CD player and MP3 capability is standard. New technology enhances conventional radio reception. An improved optional Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disk changer and XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only) add to the choices available to the audiophile owner. New for 2007, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are included with the Bose premium system.

A full-function OnStar system and an onboard navigation system are available. Using a 6.5-inch (165 mm) color touch-screen display, the DVD-based system contains all the map data for the 48 contiguous states and most of Canada on one disk.

The Corvette coupe and convertible suspension cradles, control arms, knuckles, springs, dampers, bushings, stabilizer bars, and steering gear have all been redesigned for 2007. New Goodyear Extended Mobility Tires (EMT) also take advantage of the latest sidewall design and compound technology for run-flat capabilities.

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Three suspension choices allow drivers to choose the setup that best suits their driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. Corvette is now more poised at even higher handling levels, yet easier to drive.

The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers able to detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control. For 2007, cross-drilled brake rotors are now included when this feature is selected to allow customers to combine the larger brakes from the Z51 performance package with the comfort of Magnetic Selective Ride Control.

With each suspension, three standard dynamic chassis control systems-anti-lock braking, traction control, and Active Handling-operate in concert. In all, the dynamic chassis control systems are smarter, less intrusive, and more adept at making the total driving experience precisely what drivers have come to expect from their Corvette.

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Corvette Z06 DetailsAs the fastest, most technologically advanced production model in Corvette's 54-year history, the '07 Corvette Z06 offers an unprecedented level of capability and technology, making it one of the best performance values on the market. And with an exterior design incorporating aerodynamic features that were codeveloped with the Le Mans winning C6.R race car, the '07 Z06 has a visual attitude that always looks ready to demonstrate Corvette's winning attitude to any challenger around the globe.

The Z06's LS7 7.0L engine delivers 505 hp (377 kW) in a 3,132-pound (1,421 kg) package-a combination that delivers 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds in first gear, quarter-mile times of 11.7 seconds at 125 mph and a top speed of 198 mph (as recorded on Germany's Autobahn). It provides maximum lateral acceleration of 1.04 g and 60-0 braking in 111.3 feet; it also circuited Germany's famed Nrburgring in a time of 7:43. Along with astounding performance, Corvette Z06 also returns surprising fuel economy of 26 mpg on the highway and avoids the gas guzzler tax common on the world's supercars.

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Inside The LS7The LS7 reintroduced the 427ci engine to the Corvette lineup in 2006. Unlike the previous 427 engine, which was a big-block design, the 7.0-liter LS7 is a small-block V-8-the largest displacement small-block ever produced by Chevrolet and GM, and a tribute to its 50 years as a performance icon.

The Z06-only LS7 is easily identified under the hood by red engine covers with black lettering. The LS7 shares the same basic Gen IV V-8 architecture as the Corvette's 6.0-liter LS2, but it uses a different cylinder block casting with pressed-in steel cylinder liners to accommodate the engine's larger diameter, 104.8mm-wide cylinder bores. Compared with the LS2, the LS7 also has a different front cover, oil pan, exhaust manifolds, and cylinder heads, among many other components.

Internally, the LS7's reciprocating components make use of racing-derived lightweight technology, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability. The rpm fuel shut-off limit is 7,100 rpm. The LS7's details include:

Z06 Drivetrain And ChassisThe Corvette Z06's powertrain and drivetrain systems are matched to the LS7's performance capability. The light, four-into-one headers discharge into new, close-coupled catalytic converters and through to new bi-modal mufflers. The mufflers each feature a vacuum-actuated outlet valve, which controls exhaust noise during low-load operation but opens for maximum power.

At the rear of the LS7 engine, a single-mass flywheel and lightweight, high-capacity clutch channel torque to the rear transaxle. The six-speed manual transmission has been strengthened to handle the LS7's increased torque load. The transmission includes a pump that sends transmission fluid to the front radiator for cooling. Upon its return, the fluid removes additional heat from the differential lube before returning to the transmission. The six-speed transmission connects to a limited-slip differential with enlarged ring-and-pinion gears. Stronger axle half-shafts with tougher universal joints transmit power to the rear wheels.

The Z06 has a unique aluminum body structure for optimum stiffness and light weight for the fixed-roof body style. Perimeter rails are one-piece hydroformed aluminum members featuring cast suspension nodes, which replace many welded steel components on other Corvette models. Other castings, stampings, and extrusions are combined into the innovative structure with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.

The Z06 has a new magnesium cradle that serves as the attachment point for the engine and some front suspension components. Magnesium is lighter than aluminum yet incredibly strong. The magnesium cradle helps improve the front-to-rear weight distribution, as do carbon-fiber front fenders and wheelhouses. Engineers also moved the battery from underhood to a position in the rear cargo area, behind one of the rear wheels.

The mass reductions are offset by some added performance enablers, including dry-sump lubrication, exhaust system with outlet valves, larger wheels and tires, larger brakes, and larger roll stabilizers.

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Suspension And BrakesThe Z06 retains the 105.7-inch (2686mm) wheelbase of other Corvette models, as well as the short-long arm suspension and transverse leafspring design, but it rides on all-new wheels, tires, and brakes, as well as its own rear spring and roll stabilizer.

The firmer suspension works harmoniously with large 18x9.5-inch, cast-spun aluminum wheels and 275/35ZR18 tires in the front, and 19x12-inch, cast-spun aluminum wheels with 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear-the largest wheel-and-tire combination ever offered on a Corvette. The tires use the latest extended-mobility technology from Goodyear to provide a satisfactory ride, but still allow the vehicle to achieve lateral acceleration of more than 1 g. The extended-mobility tires eliminate the need and weight for a spare tire and jack or inflator kit, while also reducing the chance of a sudden loss of handling capability.

Complementing the suspension system and large rolling stock is an equally capable four-wheel disc-brake system, consisting of 14-inch (355mm) vented and cross-drilled front rotors and 13.4-inch (340mm) vented and cross-drilled rear rotors.

The front rotors are acted upon by huge, red-painted six-piston calipers that use six individual brake pads. Individual brake pads are used because they deliver more equalized wear compared to what would otherwise be a pair of very long single-piece pads. For the rear brakes, four-piston calipers with four individual brake pads are used. A Delphi four-channel ABS system is standard, as is a competent active handling system complete with a Competitive Driving mode.

Z06 Design DetailsThe Z06 has an unmistakable and aggressive appearance with design cues that include:

* A wide front fascia with a large, forward-facing grille opening, a splitter along the bottom, and wheel-opening extensions along the sides to provide aerodynamic downforce.* A cold-air scoop in front of the hood that integrates an air-inlet system for the engine.* The trailing edge of the front wheel opening is radiused to achieve improved drag, but protects the body finish with a tough molding, and a large air extractor is located behind the wheel.* A fixed-roof body style optimizes body rigidity and mass.* Wider rear fenders with flares cover the massive rear tires, and a brake cooling scoop in front of the wheels visually balances the fender extractor.* A tall rear spoiler houses the CHMSL on the top of the rear fascia.* 10-spoke wheels (18-inch, front; 19-inch, rear).* Four larger stainless steel exhaust outlets.* Z06 badging on the carbon-fiber front fenders.

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The aerodynamics of the Z06's exterior were shaped by the experiences of the Corvette racing program, where high-speed stability and cornering capability are paramount. And while the race cars use large rear wings, the Z06's elevated spoiler provides sufficient downforce to balance the road-worthy front splitter without adversely affecting aerodynamic drag. The Z06's Cd is .34.

For all its race-inspired functionality, the Z06 is designed to be a daily drivable high-performance vehicle. To that end, comfort and convenience are held to a very high standard. High-Intensity Discharge lighting, fog lamps, leather seating, dual-zone air conditioning, cabin air filtration, and head-up display (HUD) with track mode and g-meter are standard.

The Z06 gauge cluster displays the Z06 logo on the 7000-redline tachometer and has a readout on the oil-pressure gauge to reflect the higher standard pressure of the dry-sump oiling system. The seats feature two-tone leather surfaces, with Z06-logo embroidery and contrasting stitching.

Z06 options include a Bose audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer, polished wheels, a telescoping steering wheel, heated seats, side-impact air bags, a navigation system with GPS, universal home remote, OnStar (new for 2007), and XM Satellite Radio.